123: A Family’s Fight Through Childhood Cancer with Ryan Sternagel

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Ryan Sternagel, founder of The Stern Method, to share the story that reshaped his life: his son’s cancer diagnosis and the desperate search for answers that followed.
 What began as a parent’s nightmare became a deep dive into integrative medicine, environmental toxicity, nutrition, and the healing power of community.

Ryan opens up about navigating a rigid medical system, facing pressure from institutions, and refusing to ignore his intuition. He and Dr. Jenn explore what happens when families question conventional recommendations, how holistic therapies can support traditional treatment, and why creating a healing environment is essential.

This is a conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the belief that healing requires more than protocols. It’s about parents becoming empowered, finding the right team, and discovering hope in the darkest moments.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How Ryan’s son’s diagnosis launched his mission in integrative health
• The challenges families face when questioning conventional treatment
• Why intuition and research matter in medical decision making
• How nutrition and alternative therapies support cancer care
• The emotional and practical realities of navigating the system
• The importance of community, mindset, and family support
• Why no single therapy is ever a silver bullet
• How environment and lifestyle shape healing
• The role of supplements within a comprehensive plan
• What it means to build a truly healing home

💬 If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. And share this story with someone who needs strength and hope.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

 02:46 Awakening to holistic health
06:00 The diagnosis and early decisions
09:00 Navigating hospitals and seeking answers
15:01 Nutrition and alternative therapies
17:55 Challenges with the medical system
20:58 Finding integrative oncology support
24:09 A family’s commitment to healing
30:08 Intuition, research, and advocacy
33:08 Bridging conventional and holistic approaches
36:02 Resilience and transformation
41:04 Purpose through adversity
48:35 Integrative and conventional treatment insights
56:39 Ivermectin and alternative therapies
01:01:27 Mindset in the healing process
01:13:44 Key supplements and holistic practices

Where to Find Ryan Sternagel:

Social: @thesternmethod
Website: ourhealthnaturally.com
Member Community: goingintegrativeplus.com

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-call

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons